FootJoy, the #1 Shoe and Glove in Golf, has announced the appointment of three new brand executives in its drive to ensure its loyal following take to the golf course in 2014 wearing properly fitted golf shoes. With a reported 70% of golfers walking to the first tee wearing the wrong size shoes, the market-leaders’ have made their intention clear to offer the very best in service to its loyal customers and retailers alike. Alongside all-new performance technologies and stand-out shoes for 2014, such as D.N.A. and the flagship FJ ICON™, FJ’s new recruits will travel the country from March – September educating golfers on the importance of wearing a correctly fitted golf shoe for increased comfort, fit and performance, all in the aim of enhancing the enjoyment of the game of golf for more amateur golfers.

Russell Lawes, FJ’s Marketing Manager commented, “Our statistics show that wearing the wrong size shoe can reduce power loss by up to 26%. Hardware companies are continually talking about how their drivers can add yards to your game, but golfers are less aware about the importance of ensuring their golf shoes are correctly fitted. Having identified this real issue we felt it was time we tackled the problem head on, taking to the road to visit our key accounts and share in our industry-renowned expertise. We feel that we are the only golf brand who has the capability to execute shoe fitting in this manner. We offer more sizes and more widths than any other golf manufacturer, with sizes ranging from 3 to 16 and widths from extra narrow all the way through to extra extra wide. It is our mission to get the correct size shoe on as many golfers as we can this summer.”

With FJ offering more sizes, widths and styles than any other brand in the golf industry, the market-leader is uniquely positioned to propel your game to the next level. When properly fitted, FJ’s diverse new 2014 footwear range represents the ultimate in spiked & spikeless performance, comfort & design.

“Another added benefit that FJ provides is our exclusive MyJoys programme, which gives the consumer just under 9 million design combinations, including the option to fit the feet with different sized left and right shoes,” Lawes added. “With 90% of people having slightly different sized feet, I strongly encourage golfers looking to get the most out of their game to get professionally shoe fitted before purchasing a new pair of shoes. We constantly hear people say to us, I know my shoe size, I’ve been this size for many years. Our job at FJ is to educate golfers that our feet do not remain the same size over time and that being fitted is a must to ensure a correct fitting shoe is established to guarantee ultimate comfort and performance.”

Each chip will be entered into a draw for one lucky winner to play in the 2014 BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am

FootJoy, the #1 Shoe and Glove in Golf, has launched an exciting new footwear category that delivers the very best in ultra-lightweight waterproof performance, ideal for play in all conditions. The eye-catching new FJ HydroLite™ family offers an extensive range of stable, comfortable golf shoes with an innovative low-profile outsole for outstanding stability, flexibility and durability with the option of seven spiked and three spikeless models. Designers have delivered a mix of traditional & fashion-forward sports styling across the extensive range to cater for the varying tastes of all golfers. The added option of the BOA lacing system and a variety of classic and modern colour options complete what will undoubtedly be one of the most popular new product launches within the market-leader’s diverse 2014 footwear collection.

To celebrate the unveiling of the FJ HydroLite footwear family, the company is offering each golfer who purchases a new pair of FJ HydroLite or HydroLite SL a free FJ #1 Shoe in Golf Poker Chip ball-marker along with its own unique number. Each chip will then be entered in to a draw that will take place on the 31st March 2014 to announce one lucky golfer who will win the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tee-it-up alongside one of FJ’ Brand Ambassadors in the 2014 BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am at Wentworth on May 21st. Additional prize winners from the draw will also receive a variety of other FJ 2014 product, including FJ HydroLite Rainwear. Winners will need to reply to ukfjpromotions@acushnetgolf.com sharing an image of them with their ball marker to confirm entry for prizes.

This brand new performance category from FJ represents a new dawn within the brand’s popular mid-price point golf shoe category, which continue to be a firm favourite amongst golfers around the globe, cementing FJ’s long-standing position as the #1 Shoe in Golf. Standout features and benefits of the new FJ HydroLite include; technologically-advanced lightweight, full grain leather uppers for the very best in waterproof protection alongside superior comfort and fit synonymous with all products that bear the FJ mark. A new low profile outsole also provides increased flexibility and stability through each stage of the swing, with the addition of the P.I.N.S (Performance Insert System) cleat system. Just like the spiked version, HydroLite SL offers lightweight, low-profile, waterproof construction for ‘all year round’ play as well as on and off-course versatility.

“Our new HydroLite range represents a truly extensive collection of performance-enhanced spiked and spikeless golf shoes at fantastic value to golfers,” commented Russell Lawes – FJ Marketing Manager. “The attributes that are present within this exciting new category certainly demonstrate FJ’s pioneering product innovation that has seen us lead from the forefront of the golf footwear industry, delivering great-value innovations that benefit golfers of all abilities. With their eye-catching styling and enhanced performance technologies, FJ HydroLite & HydroLite SL will be a significant addition to our most diverse and feature packaged golf shoe range to date.”

Whether it is the all-round excellence and superior comfort of FJ ICON™, the reliability and consistent performance of the DryJoys family, the advanced feel of D.N.A., the athletic-infused performance of the FJ Sport, the minimal construction and maximum feel of the innovative FJ M:PROJECT™ or the multi-functional Contour Casual, FootJoy remains the overwhelming favourite for golfers of all abilities around the world.

Scott Stallings birdied the par-5 18th to fire a final-round 68 and finish top of the leader board at Torrey Pines on Sunday afternoon.

Beginning the day three shots off the lead on the coastal California course, Stallings wearing the all new D.N.A. golf shoe and a Pure Touch™ glove, birdied six of his last eleven holes to finish on nine under par to emerge from the chasing pack. The only player who had an opportunity to catch Stallings was Marc Leishman (D.N.A. & StaSof®), who needed an eagle on the last hole to tie. The Australian nearly holed his third shot on the par five last hole but had to settle for a tap in par and a tie for second place. Canadian, Graham Delaet (FJ ICON™) also finished the tournament in a tie for second.

This is Stallings third PGA Tour victory. The win also moves Stallings into the top 64 in the world, making him eligible for the WGC Accenture Match Play next month.

DryJoys Next Advancement the most feature packed golf shoe ever created by the #1 Shoe in Golf

FootJoy, the #1 Shoe and Glove in Golf, has developed the next advancement in golf footwear - D.N.A. (DryJoys Next Advancement). Featuring the most comprehensive feature package ever delivered by FJ, D.N.A. footwear represents the most proven elements of the world-renowned DryJoys footwear family with all-new, cutting-edge componentry and construction methodology for the very best in performance.

"To create the most feature-laden golf shoe in our history, we needed to explore the anatomy, or DNA, of our premium footwear products and then scrutinise each and every aspect throughout the design and development process," commented Doug Robinson, Vice President of Design and Development Worldwide. "Each material and component was carefully considered in order to deliver a shoe with lightweight stability, a custom-like fit, superior feel and ultimate performance."

KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS

The 3D FoamCollar™ for COMFORT - The 3D FoamCollar moulds to your ankle for ideal comfort, fit and support. Locking your ankle in place eliminates any movement of the foot – a situation that can lead to discomfort and power-reduction during the swing.

SnugFit Tongue for FIT - The SnugFit tongue is engineered utilising thin, soft, and breathable materials - including MicroVent™ technology- in order to properly conform to the top of your foot providing superb fit and an incredibly comfortable in-shoe environment.

NitroThin™ TPU Outsole for STABILITY - The all-new NitroThin TPU outsole has been in development for several years, undergoing numerous rounds of testing and technical modifications. The result is a super thin-yet-strong outsole that frames the soft, FTF internal midsole to deliver the perfect combination of stability and flexibility for maximum on-course performance.

Xtra-Thick FTF™ FitBed® for Cushioning - In order to achieve the sleek, low-profile look of D.N.A., the midsole was moved inside the shoe. FTF™ (Fine-Tuned Foam), a new proprietary cushioning material, is used throughout the interior FitBed midsole. In order to achieve in-shoe stability as well as premium cushioning, two densities of FTF were utilised - a firmer density for stability around the perimeter of the FitBed and a softer density in the heel and forefoot providing industry-leading in-shoe comfort.

ChromoSkin™ Leather System by Pittards - D.N.A. also features the all-new ChromoSkin Leather System by Pittards® of England, one of the premiere suppliers of high performance leather in the world. This unique full grain leather system is lightweight, durable and supple with superior waterproof performance. By using this premium leather, the wearer will experience tremendous breathability and will find the upper will conform to their feet for an incredible custom fit.

TOUR VALIDATION

D.N.A. has already seen validation at the highest level, as FJ brand Ambassadors Adam Scott, and Webb Simpson immediately put the performance D.N.A. golf shoe in play before the Presidents Cup.

Adam Scott has worn D.N.A. golf shoes exclusively since September, including while competing at the 2013 Presidents Cup and during his three recent wins in Australia.

"D.N.A. is the most technologically advanced shoe FJ has ever produced and it embodies everything I am looking for in a golf shoe," commented the world's #2 ranked player. "They actually activate my feet, giving me great balance throughout my swing."

Webb Simpson has also been wearing D.N.A. shoes since the Presidents Cup.

"You want a golf shoe that is comfortable and stable, and this gives you both. The new technology in the tongue and heel collar allows the shoe to mold to your foot, giving the golfer everything they will need on the course.